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What are Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?

Since 1989, OSEI Corp is responsible for the clean up of over 91,394 spills.

PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of man-made chemicals widely used for decades in products and industries due to their resistance to heat, water, oil, and stains.

Often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly in the environment, PFAS can accumulate in soil, groundwater, and ecosystems. Ongoing research has identified potential risks associated with long-term exposure, making effective PFAS detection, management, and remediation important for protecting people and the environment.

What are PFAS?

PFAS are a category of synthetic chemicals widely used in manufacturing and everyday products because they can repel grease, moisture, and high temperatures. Developed during the mid-20th century, these compounds have been commonly found in items such as non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, food packaging, waterproof clothing, and industrial materials.

What's the Concern?

What makes PFAS a growing environmental and health concern is their extreme durability. Unlike many other chemicals, they do not easily break down in soil, water, or the human body. As a result, PFAS can remain in the environment for decades, which is why they are often described as “forever chemicals.”

Where are they found?

In Australia, PFAS chemicals have been identified in a broad range of everyday household and commercial products. They are commonly associated with items designed to resist water, grease, heat, or stains, including non-stick frying pans, takeaway food packaging, waterproof clothing, carpets, and upholstered furniture.

Can they be liquids?

PFAS chemicals can also be present in routine household and personal care products such as laundry liquids, dishwashing detergents, stain treatment products, garden products, paints, floor polishes, waxes, shampoos, cosmetics, and even some dental floss products. Because PFAS have been used across so many industries for decades, they can be found in both domestic and industrial environments.

Industrial use

Across Australia and internationally, PFAS chemicals have been widely used in a variety of industrial sectors due to their resistance to heat, chemicals, and fuel. Industries linked to PFAS use include aviation, automotive manufacturing, electronics, textiles, metal treatment, and chemical production.

Historiacal use

One of the most significant historical uses of PFAS has been in firefighting foams designed for fuel and chemical fires. These foams were commonly used at airports, defence sites, firefighting training grounds, and oil or petroleum facilities, where they could enter the surrounding soil and groundwater over time.